Device and method for animal identification

ABSTRACT

Methods and device for marking animals are disclosed. An ear tag configurable for attachment to a rodent ear, e.g., a mouse ear, is presented, wherein the ear tag includes a color-coded image, an alphanumeric character string, a bar code and/or a visual signage. The tag may include the visual identifier and an RFID device. A card may be provided that redundantly displays some or all of the visual identifier. An applicator is alternately or additionally provided that removes separated elements of the tag from a tray force generated by manual compression of a pair of handles of the applicator, and additionally includes jaws that compress towards each other when the handles are initially compressed, yet splay and release the tag elements as additional compressive force is applied to the handles.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of animal husbandry andresearch. More particularly, the present invention relates to markinganimals for individual identification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Animals in both agricultural and research settings are often marked formanagement and control. Prior art methods for identifying small researchanimals include attaching metal ear tags and employing implanted oringested electronic tags. Prior art metal ear tags are associated withhost animal tissue reaction, tissue irritation, cancer incidence, otherhost animal health degradation and/or deformation of the host animal eardue to relatively high weight of the metal ear tag. In addition, priorart metal ear tags can induce host animal efforts to dislodge the eartag that can result in damage to the animal itself and/or the ear tag.

The prior art includes transponder tags with radio frequencyidentification devices, or “RFID”. Reading a radio frequencyidentification device requires the use of an RFID reader, i.e. anelectronic device that communicates through wireless transmission withthe RFID device. The RFID tag, passively responsive to an excitationsignal transmitted from the RFID reader, can communicate codedinformation from the RFID transponder tag to the RFID reader, which thenreceives and decodes the information. Prior art implanted or ingestedelectronic tags are limited by their need to reflect or transmit astream of data (e.g. their unique identification numbers) to the outsideworld. This requires relatively expensive transponder and receiverhardware and an invasive and risky surgical implantation process.Additionally, due to an inability to differentiate the identificationnumber signal from two or more adjacent animals with passive RFID tags,animals must be first separated from one another or removed from thecage prior to scanning the animal. Animals which are group housed maynot be scanned while within the cage because there is no way to directthe scanning area of the reader and identify a specific animal withcertainty. It is preferable to scan group-housed animals without firstremoving them from their cage.

While animals are currently tagged with radio frequency identificationdevices in the prior art, it is often preferable that individualidentification of a specific animal could be easily distinguished by atechnician or laborer without the use of electronic or opticalequipment. In addition, particularly when the animals of interest havemodestly sized ears, such as mice bred for scientific research, it ispreferable that a tag attached to an animal be of minimal discomfort orirritation to the host animal. It is also preferable for identifyingmarkings to be readily visible, observable, or accessible, yet alsoverifiable or certifiable.

There is therefore an unmet need to provide a device and method thatenables a reliable visual distinction of an animal by a laboratoryresearcher or animal caretaker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This and other objects of the present invention are made obvious inlight of this disclosure, wherein methods and systems devices foridentifying animals are provided. According to a first aspect of themethod of the present invention, a device is provided that displays avisual identifier. The visual identifier is optionally a color-codedimage, an alphanumeric character string, a bar code and/or a signage.According to a second optional aspect, a tag includes the visualidentifier and an RFID device. According to a third optional aspect, acard and/or sticker is provided that redundantly displays some or all ofthe visual identifier.

An applicator is alternately or additionally provided that removes thetag components from a tray by compression of a pair of handles, andadditionally includes jaws that compress towards each other when thehandles are initially compressed, yet separate away from each other asadditional compressive force is applied.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will beapparent from the following description of aspects of the presentinvention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by referenceto disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection withwhich the publications are cited. All publications, patents, and patentapplications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent asif each individual publication, patent, or patent application wasspecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Such incorporations include U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,911 (Inventor: Wescombe;Issued on May 8, 2001) titled “Tag”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,324 (Inventor:Nepote; Issued on Aug. 8, 2000) titled “Animal identification device andmethod of manufacture”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,533,482 (Inventor:Huenefeld; Issued on May 19, 2009) titled “Metal ear tag with electronicidentification device”.

The publications discussed or mentioned herein are provided solely fortheir disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application.Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the presentinvention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue ofprior invention. Furthermore, the dates of publication provided hereinmay differ from the actual publication dates which may need to beindependently confirmed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These, and further features of various aspects of the present invention,may be better understood with reference to the accompanyingspecification, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a first tag comprising a receiver and a rivetwith preferred dimensions;

FIG. 2A is a dimensioned side view of the rivet of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the rivet of FIGS. 1 and 2A;

FIG. 3 is a dimensioned side view of the receiver and the rivet of FIGS.1, 2A and 2B positioned respectively on either side of an animal's ear;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the tag of FIGS. 1 through 3 and wherein a posttip of the first tag has pierced the ear of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the tag of FIGS. 1 through 4 and wherein thepost tip of the first tag has extended into a protective channel of thereceiver of FIGS. 1 and 3 through 4;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the display plate of the rivet of FIGS. 1through 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tag of FIGS. 1 through 6 as coupledto a rodent's ear, wherein the rodent is housed within a cage bearing acage card;

FIGS. 8A-8C are representations of a tray configured to hold and protectthe tag of FIGS. 1 through 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the tray of FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tray of FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C and 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial, detailed perspective view of the tray of FIGS. 8Athrough 10;

FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of an applicator positioned over atag site of the tray of FIGS. 8A through 11;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the applicator of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 and 13,wherein the receiver and rivet of FIGS. 1 through 8C are separately heldby the applicator;

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12-14positioned proximate to the tray of FIGS. 8A through 12;

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12-15coupled with the receiver and rivet of FIGS. 1 through 8, wherein thereceiver and tray are simultaneously installed within the tray of FIGS.8A through 12, and 15;

FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12through 16 engaged with the receiver and rivet of FIGS. 1 through 8, andFIGS. 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16 after the applicator has removed thereceiver and rivet from the tray of FIGS. 8A through 12, 15 and 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12through 17 holding a rivet and receiver of FIGS. 1 through 8, 11, 12,and 14 through 17 respectively on either side of a target rodent ear ofFIGS. 4 through 5;

FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12through 18 holding a rivet and receiver of FIGS. 1 through 8, 11, and 14through 18 piercing the target rodent ear of FIGS. 4 through 5;

FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12through 19 after coupling a rivet and receiver of FIGS. 1 through 8, 11,12, and 14 through 19 to the target rodent ear of FIGS. 4 through 5;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 20;

FIG. 22 is a an adhesive backed label bearing the images identical to,or derived from, in whole or in part, the images of the display plate ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 23A is a front view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21engaging with the tray of FIGS. 8A through 12 and FIGS. 15 through 17;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21and FIG. 23A approaching the tray of FIGS. 8A through 12 and FIGS. 15-17but not touching the first tag of FIG. 1 through 8, 11, 12, and FIGS. 14through 20;

FIG. 24A is a front view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21 andFIG. 23B engaged with both the tag rivet of FIGS. 1 through 8, 11, 12,14 through 20, 23A and 23B and the tag receiver of FIGS. 1, 7, 8, 11,12, 14 through 20, 23A and 23B while the tag rivet and the tag receiverare held by the tray of FIGS. 8A through 12;

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21,23B, and 24A engaged with both the tag rivet of FIGS. 1 through 8, 11,12, 14 through 20, 23A, 23B and 24A and the tag receiver of FIGS. 1, 7,8, 11, 12, 14 through 20, 23A 23B and 23A while the tag rivet and thetag receiver are held by the tray of FIGS. 8A through 12, 15 through 17and 23;

FIG. 25A is a front view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21, 23,24A and 24B positioned proximate to the ear of FIGS. 3, 4, 18, and 19;

FIG. 25B is a perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21and 25A positioned proximate to the ear of FIGS. 3, 4, 18, 19, 20, and25A;

FIG. 26A is a front view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21, 25Aand 25B wherein the rivet post of FIGS. 1 through 8, 11, 12, 14 through20, and 23 through 25B is piercing the ear of FIGS. 3, 4,18,19, 20, 25Aand 25B;

FIG. 26B is a perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21and FIGS. 25A through 26A, wherein the rivet post of FIGS. 1 through 8,11, 12, FIGS. 14 through 20, and FIGS. 23A through 26A is piercing theear of FIGS. 3, 4,18,19, 20, 25A, 25B and 26A;

FIG. 27A is a front view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21 andFIGS. 25A through 26B wherein the rivet jaw and the receiver jaw of theapplicator are being pressed together by a compressing force deliveredby the user to a first handle and a second handle of FIG. 17;

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the applicator of FIGS. 12 through 21and FIGS. 25A through 27A, wherein the rivet jaw and the receiver jaw ofthe applicator are being pressed together by a compressing forcedelivered by the user to the first handle and the second handle of FIG.17;

FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of an electronic communicationsnetwork comprising of a computational system and additional associatedequipment useful to use, monitor and automatically read and decode thetag of FIGS. 1 through 8, 11, 12, FIGS. 14 through 20, and FIGS. 23Athrough 27B; and

FIG. 29 is a schematic of the software of the computational system ofFIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particularaspects of the present invention described, as such may, of course,vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular aspects only, and is notintended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention willbe limited only by the appended claims.

Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recitedevents which is logically possible, as well as the recited order ofevents.

Where a range of values is provided herein, it is understood that eachintervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lowerlimit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in thatstated range, is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lowerlimits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in thesmaller ranges and are also encompassed within the invention, subject toany specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the statedrange includes one or both of the limits ranges excluding either or bothof those included limits are also included in the invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also beused in the practice or testing of the present invention, the methodsand materials are now described.

It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. It is further noted that the claimsmay be drafted to exclude any optional element. As such, this statementis intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusiveterminology as “solely,” “only” and the like in connection with therecitation of claim elements, or use of a “negative” limitation.

Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a side view of a first preferredalternate embodiment of the present invention, or first tag 2. The firsttag 2 is configured for an attachment to a host animal 4 (as pictured inFIG. 7) weighing approximately 40 pounds or less. The host animal 4 maybe an animal selected from, but not limited to, the group including arodent, a mouse, a rat, a felis domesticus, a mole, a vole, an opossumand a rabbit.

The first tag 2 preferably weighs less than 160 milligrams; morepreferably weighs less than 100 milligrams; and most preferably weighsless than 60 milligrams. The reduced weight of the tag 2 in comparisonto the prior art results in less discomfort to a host animal 4 (as shownin FIG. 7) to which the tag 2 is coupled, and reduces the possibility ofdamage to an ear 6 to which the tag 2 is coupled.

The first tag 2 includes a display rivet 8 and a receiver 10. Anoptional RFID 12 may be comprised within the display rivet 8 or thereceiver 10. The RFID 12 may be a Nonatec™ radio frequencyidentification device marketed by Lutronic International of Rodange,Luxembourg or other suitable transponder known in the art.

The display rivet 8 preferably weighs less than 80 milligrams; morepreferably weighs less than 60 milligrams; and most preferably weighsless than 40 milligrams. The display rivet 8 is composed of a rivetplate 14 and a rivet post 16. The rivet plate 14 includes a displayplate 18 that extends within a display plane D defined as parallel toboth the X axis and the Z axis. The display plate 18 may be affixed tothe rivet plate 14 by an adhesive 20, or by other suitable means knownin the art.

The display rivet 8 and receiver of the first tag 2 may be or comprisepolyetheretherketone or other suitable organic or inorganic polymer(s)or plastic or ceramic material(s) or metal or metal alloy materialsknown in the art. Alternatively or additionally, the display plate 18may comprise or consist of organic or inorganic polymer(s), metal, ametal alloy, titanium, stainless steel, ceramic or other suitablematerial known in the art that is resistant to damage from animal teethor animal claws. It is understood that materials, such as titanium andpolymers, that do not impair the effectiveness of medical imagingequipment such as magnetic resonance imaging, are preferably used toform the invented tag 2 in certain applications of the method of thepresent invention.

Inventively limiting the inclusion of metal to the display plate 18 ofthe invented tag 2, and the inventive use of selected plastics, e.g.,polyetheretherketone, to substantially form the tag structure 2 avoids apotential for dermal irritation to a host animal 4 that may be caused bythe use of a predominantly metal tag. In addition, the incidence of hostanimal cancer attributable to the use of prior art metal tags may alsobe reduced by limiting the use of metal to the display plate of theinvented tag.

The inventive use of a lower density material, such aspolyetheretherketone or other plastic, results in a tag 2 that has alighter weight than a predominantly metal tag and minimizes a potentialfor damage and deformation. The inventive structure of the tag 2 lacks aloop and avoids a potential for host animal 4 claws dislodging as withprior art metal tags. The inventive inclusion of a thin strip of metalas, or within, the display plate 18 in certain preferred embodiments ofthe present inventions adds durability to the tag 2 and reduces damagethat could potentially be inflicted by cohabitating animals that haveaccess to the tag 2 as coupled with the host animal 4.

The receiver 10 and the rivet 8 may further comprise a dye material orcolored substance that causes the receiver 10 and rivet 8 to present asame color visible to the human eye, such as red, blue, yellow, orange,green, purple.

Alternatively, the receiver 10 and the rivet 8 may further comprise adye material or colored substance that causes the receiver 10 and rivet8 to present a different visible color. For example, the receiver 10 maybe red in color and the rivet 8 may be blue, yellow, orange, green orpurple. Alternatively or additionally, the display plate 18 of the rivet8 may present a color different from the remainder of the rivet 8, suchas when the display plate 18 comprises titanium or other materialdifferent than that comprised within the rivet post 16 and remainder ofthe rivet 8.

The rivet post 16 preferably extends substantially normally from thedisplay plane D of the plate along a central axis A, wherein the centralaxis A is parallel to a Y-axis and extends through the display plate 18at a central point of the display plate 18. It is understood that theX-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis are each mutually orthogonal to thetwo other axes of the group of three axes.

The structure of the rivet post 16 includes a first cylindrical element22, a second cylindrical element 24 having a smaller circularcross-sectional circumference than the circular cross-sectionalcircumference of the first cylindrical element 22, and a cutting tip 26.

The receiver 10 preferably weighs less than 80 milligrams; morepreferably weighs less than 60 milligrams; and most preferably weighsless than 40 milligrams.

The receiver 10 comprises a receiver plate 28 and a collar 30, wherein acentral circular channel 32 is defined by the receiver 10 to accept,protect and retain the rivet tip 26. The central channel 32 extendsalong the central axis A and is circular in a cross-sectional areaparallel to the display axis D. The central channel 32 is defined by acombination of a circular angled channel 34 that extends fully throughthe receiver plate 28 and a circular protective channel 36 that extendsfrom the receiver plate 28 and fully through the collar 30. The circularangled channel 34 extends from a first proximate diameter 38 located ata first side of the receiver plate 40 and narrows to a second distaldiameter 42 located at a second side of the receiver plate 44, wherebythe rivet tip 26 may be captured after passing fully through a locationof the distal second diameter 42 of the angled channel 34 as located onthe second side 44 of the receiver plate 28. When the rivet tip 26 isfully inserted through the angled channel 34 and is thereby captured bythe receiver plate 28 and protected by the collar 30, the secondcylindrical element 24 maintains the rivet plate 14 within a range ofdistance from the receiver plate 28, wherein the rivet display plate 18is positioned distally from the receiver 10 and made available forvisual observation.

The first tag 2 is presented in FIG. 1 with indications of exemplaryphysical dimensions. In particular, referring now to FIG. 1 and to FIG.2A, the exemplary display plate 18 has a display thickness Y1 of 0.002inches that is included of the exemplary rivet plate 14 thickness Y2 of0.035 as measured along the central axis A of 0.035 inches, and both theexemplary display plate 18 and the comprising rivet plate 14 have across sectional area along the display plane D of 0.200 inches by 0.200inches. The rivet post 16 extends from the rivet plate 14 to a totalheight of 0.155 inches along the central axis A. The first cylindricalelement 22 of the rivet post 16 extends for 0.060 inches along thecentral axis A and presents a cross-sectional circular area having adiameter of 0.043 inches measured in parallel to the display plane D.The second cylindrical element 24 of the rivet post 16 is disposedbetween the first cylindrical element 22 and the tip 26 and extends for0.020 inches along the central axis A. The second cylindrical element 24presents a cross-sectional circular area having a diameter of 0.033inches measured in parallel to the display plane D. The tip 26 of therivet post 16 extends from the second cylindrical element 24 for 0.040inches along the central axis A and is angled to a pointed end 46 of thecutting tip 26 from a lower tip diameter 48 of 0.043 inches as measuredin parallel with the display plane D.

In certain alternate preferred embodiments of the method of the presentinvention, the cross-sectional area of the orthogonal rivet plate 14normal to the central axis A is be in the range from two millimeters bytwo millimeters to ten millimeters by ten millimeters. Alternatively oradditionally, in certain other alternate preferred embodiments of themethod of the present invention, the cross-sectional area of theorthogonal receiver plate 28 is in the range from two millimeters by twomillimeters to ten millimeters by ten millimeters.

It is understood that it is preferable that the receiver plate 28 andthe rivet plate 14 each present a square shape in order allow the easierengagement of the firs tag 2 with both the tray 50 and the applicator 52as described below.

The receiver plate 28 has a thickness along the central axis A of 0.025inches, and a preferably square cross sectional area parallel to thedisplay plane D of 0.200 inches by 0.200 inches. The angled circularchannel 34 of the receiver plate 28 opens at the first diameter 38 of0.059 inches and narrows to the second narrower diameter 42 of 0.030inches. The tip 26 of the rivet post 16 may be captured by presenting alower tip diameter 48 larger than the second diameter 42 of the angledchannel 34 of the receiver plate 28. As presented in FIG. 1, theexemplary rivet tip 26 presents a lower tip diameter 48 of 0.043 inchesand the narrower second diameter 42 of the angled channel 34 presents adiameter of 0.030 inches.

It is understood that after the tip 26 has been forced fully through thenarrower second diameter 42 of the angled channel 34 of the receiverplate 28, the tip 26 is thereafter impeded from removal through theangled channel 34 of the receiver plate 28.

In a forcing of the tip 26 through the receiver plate 28, the tip 26 andthe receiver plate 28 plastically deform to allow the tip 26 to passfully through the receiver plate 28. Some of this deformation of the tip26 and the second diameter 42 is recovered after the tip 26 penetratesthe receiver plate 28 and the interference between the tip 26 and thereceiver plate 28 restored. This interference thereby captures the tip26 inside the receiver 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, FIG. 2A is a closer side view of the displayrivet 8 of FIG. 1 with nominal dimensions. Each of the plurality ofindicated dimensions Y1-Y5 is measured along the central axis A.

The first thickness Y1 of the display plate 18 is preferably in therange of 0.002 inches to 0.015 inches, and more preferably within therange from 0.004 inches to 0.006 inches. The second thickness Y2 of therivet plate 14 is preferably within the range of 0.015 to 0.035 inches.The third height Y3 of the first cylindrical element 22 is preferablywithin the range from 0.040 inches to 0.065 inches. The fourth height Y4of the second cylindrical element 24 is preferably within the range from0.010 inches to 0.030 inches. The tip height Y5 of the cutting tip 26 ispreferably within the range from 0.030 inches to 0.050 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 2B the display rivet 8 of FIGS. 1 and 2A is shownin a perspective view, wherein the rivet post 16 extends along thecentral axis A that is normal to the display plane D. The central axis Apasses directly through a cylindrical center point 54 of the rivet plate14, and the central axis A is equidistant from each of the four edges ofthe preferably square display rivet plate 8.

Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a closer side view of the first tag 2of FIG. 1 and a rodent ear 6 with additional nominal dimensions. Thefirst plurality of indicated dimensions Y6-Y8 are measured along thecentral axis A, and the second plurality of dimensions X1-X5 aremeasured at an axis B that is orthogonal to the central axis A. Thelower tip diameter X1 of the cutting tip 26 is preferably sized to befrom 0.010 inches to 0.020 inches greater than second width X2 of thesecond diameter 44 of the receiver plate 28. The third diameter X3 ofthe second cylindrical element 24 of the rivet post 16 is preferablysized to be 0.010 inches to 0.015 inches smaller than both the tip lowerdiameter X1 and the fourth diameter X4 of first cylindrical element 22.The circular protective channel 36 is preferably sized to have a fifthdiameter X5 that is 0.005 inches to 0.400 inches larger than the tiplower diameter X1.

The rodent ear thickness Y6 is likely to be less than 0.035 inches inthickness. In particular examples, a typical mouse ear exhibits athickness of 0.011 inches and a typical rat ear is about a 0.08 inchesthick. The receiver plate thickness Y7 is preferably within the range0.020 inches to 0.030 inches. The receiver collar height Y8 ispreferably in the range of 0.055 inches to 0.075 inches, and a collarwall 56 of the collar 30 has an average thickness orthogonal to thecentral axis A within the range 0.010 inches to 0.050 inches.

Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates the rodent ear 6 having anominal thickness of 0.010 inches and disposed between the receiver 10and the rivet 8 of the first tag 2, and wherein the cutting tip 26 ofthe rivet post 16 is extending through the rodent ear 6.

Referring now to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates a coupling of the rivet 8and the receiver 10, wherein the rivet cutting tip 26 is positionedwholly within the protective channel 36 of the receiver collar 30. Thecutting tip 26 of the rivet post 16 is impeded from withdrawal throughthe receiver plate 28 due to the relatively larger diameter of the tiplower diameter 48 in comparison with the narrower second diameter 42 ofthe angled channel 34 of the receiver plate 28. FIG. 5 furtherillustrates the first cylindrical element 22 of the rivet post 16extending through rodent ear 6.

Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a front view of the display plate 18of FIGS. 1 through 5. The display plate 18 may include a bar codepattern 58, an alphanumeric serial numeral 60, and/or a color codepattern 62. The bar code pattern 58 may comprise of a one dimensionalbar code image and/or a two-dimensional bar code image. The alphanumericserial number 60 is preferably printed in point typeset or smaller. Thecolor code pattern 62 includes colored surface areas 62A-62X, whereineach colored surface area 62A-62X is preferably sized at less than tenpercent of the surface area of the display plate 18.

The bar code pattern 58, an alphanumeric serial numeral 60, and/or acolor code pattern 62 may each comprise a representation of a sameserial number in whole or in part. In the exemplary display plate 18,the serial number A012345 may be encoded into the bar code pattern 58and the printed as or within the alphanumeric serial numeral 60. It isunderstood that the alphanumeric serial numeral 60 may alternately oradditionally use other visual markings, such as squares, ovals, circles,and/or stars that may be color coded.

Alternatively or additionally he color code pattern 62 may be arepresentation, in whole or in part, of the same serial represented bythe alphanumeric serial numeral 60 and/or the alphanumeric serialnumeral 60. For example, first colored surface 62A may be a shade of redthat indicates a letter A; the second colored surface 62B may be a shadeof blue that represents a zero or null values; the third colored surface62C may be a shade of blue that represents the numeral one; the fourthcolored surface 62D may be a shade of yellow that represents the numeraltwo; the fifth colored surface 62E may be a shade of orange thatrepresents the numeral three; the sixth colored surface 62F may be ashade of green that represents the numeral four; and the seventh coloredsurface 62F may be a shade of purple that represents the numeral five.It is understood that the color code pattern 62 may alternately oradditionally use other color coded areas other than the picturedrectangular shapes, such as squares, ovals, circles, and/or stars.

Referring now to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary mouse 4 as thehost animal 4 of the first tag 2, wherein the first tag 2 is attached tothe previously presented exemplary rodent ear 6. The mouse 4 is shownwithin a three-dimensional cage 64 having a cage card 66 affixed to acage wall 68. The cage card 66 may be an Oxford Ruled Index Card™cardboard stock card product code 0 78787 03104 distributed by Esselte,Inc. of Melville, N.Y.

The cage is configured to at least temporarily hold or house the mouse4. The cage card 64 includes one or more aspects of the image of thedisplay plate of FIG. 6, such as the same bar code pattern 58, the samealphanumeric serial numeral 60, and/or the color code pattern 62, oroptionally an image that is derived from, or selected from, an aspect ofthe image of FIG. 6. The mouse 4 may wear the first tag 2 during acourse of study or observation and for the remainder of its life.

Referring now to FIGS. 8A through 8C, three views of the exemplary tray50 configured to hold and protect a plurality of first tags 2 arepresented. FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the exemplary tray 50configured to hold a plurality of ten first tags 2 on each of two sides70 & 72. Each of a plurality of twenty tag sites 74 of the tray 50includes a rivet segment 76 for holding and protecting the rivet 8 and areceiver segment 78 for holding and protecting the receiver 10. The tray50 additionally positions the rivet 8 and the receiver 10 for withdrawalfrom the installation in a tag site 74 by means of the applicator 52.The tray 50 comprises polypropylene, or other suitable thermoplasticknown in the art that may or may not withstand a standard medicalautoclave process and allows for an interference fit with the tag rivet8 and the tag receiver 10. The tray 50 may optionally further comprise adye material or colored substance that causes the tray 50 to present oneor more colors visible to the human eye, such as red, blue, yellow,orange, green, purple.

FIG. 8B is a detailed perspective view of an exemplary right corner tagsite 80 of the tray of FIG. 8A. The ninth height Y9 of the exemplarytray site 80 is preferably on the order 0.280 inches plus or minus 0.002inches, and a receiver aperture capture height Y10 of the exemplary tagsite 80 is preferably 0.002 inches greater than the total height of thereceiver 10, i.e. the sum of the heights Y7 and Y8 as designated in FIG.3, in order for the exemplary receiver segment 78 to substantiallyenclose and protect a receiver installed therein.

FIG. 8C is a side cut away view of a second exemplary tag site 82 and athird exemplary tag site 84, wherein an exemplary second tag site 82 isillustrated with an installed tag rivet 8 and tag receiver 10. Anexemplary first receiver ledge 86 and a first wall 88 are positioned andconfigured to maintain the tag receiver 10 at an approach angle alpha,whereby the approach angle alpha is preferably in the range 3 degrees to8 degrees. Maintenance of the tag receiver 10 at the approach anglealpha enables a smoother engagement of the receiver 10 with theapplicator 52 when the applicator 52 is applied to remove the tagreceiver 10 from second exemplary tag site 82. An eleventh verticalthickness Y11 of a second receiver ledge 9-0 and a twelfth verticalthickness 12 of the first receiver ledge 86 are preferably on the orderof 0.025 inches plus or minus 0.002 inches. The first wall 88 and thefirst receiver ledge 86 are positioned to enable an interference fitpreferably on the order 0.002 inches with the tag receiver 10 asinstalled within the receiver segment 78 of the exemplary tag site 82.For example, when the receiver plate 28 has a cross sectional planararea of 0.200 inches by 0.200 inches, a pre-insertion distance, i.e., adistance evidenced when the receiver segment 78 is empty and notcontaining the tag receiver 10, between the first wall 88 and the firstreceiver ledge 86 is preferably 0.198 inches along a line extending fromthe first wall 88 and toward the first receiver ledge 86 at theapplication angle alpha.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the exemplary tray 50 of FIGS. 8A-8C. The tray50 has a width of 4.0 inches and a depth of 0.75 inches. The exemplaryfirst corner tag site 80 presents a width of 0.390 inches and a depth of0.219 inches. A center strip 92 of the tray 50 provides stability to theplurality of tray tag sites 74 and enables the inclusion of corporatesignage 94 and product related information.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the tray 50 of FIGS. 8 and 9, whereinthe height of the exemplary first corner tray site is shown to be 0.280inches, and the tray width of 4.0 inches and depth of 0.75 inches areindicated.

FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view of the exemplary first rightcorner tag site 80 shown in relationship to the tag rivet 8 and the tagreceiver 10 but prior to installation of the tag 2 at the first cornertag site 80.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the tray of FIGS. 8A-8C and 9 through11 wherein a plurality of twenty tags 2 are each installed at separatetag sites 74, and the applicator 52 is positioned proximate to the tag 2installed at the first corner tag site 80. The applicator 52 aspositioned in FIG. 12 has both (1.) engaged with and removed the tagreceiver 10 from the receiver segment 78 of the first corner tag site80; and (2.) engaged with and removed the tag rivet 8 from the rivetsegment 76 of the first corner tag site 80.

As mentioned previously, it is understood that it is preferable that thereceiver plate 28 and the rivet plate 14 present a square shape in orderallow the easier engagement of the tag 2 with both the tray 50 and theapplicator 52.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the applicator 52. An orthogonal lowerrecess 96, or receiver recess 96, of a receiver jaw 98 is sized toenable an interference fit with the tag receiver 10 wherein the receiverrecess 96 has an aperture approximately 0.005 inches smaller in widththan each of the two cross-sectional dimensions of the receiver plate28. For example, when the receiver plate 28 has a cross-sectional area0.200 inches by 0.200 inches, the receiver recess 96 preferably has awidth of 0.195 inches and a depth on the order of 0.200 inches.

An orthogonal upper recess 100, or rivet recess 100, of a rivet jaw 102is sized to enable an interference fit with the tag rivet 8 wherein therivet recess 100 has an aperture approximately 0.005 inches smaller inwidth than each of the two cross-sectional dimensions of the rivet plate14. For example, when the rivet plate 14 has a cross-sectional area0.200 inches by 0.200 inches, the rivet recess 100 preferably has awidth of 0.195 inches and a depth on the order of 0.200 inches.

The applicator jaws 98 & 102 are preferably made of a material morerigid than the tray 50 to enable the interference fits of the tag rivets8 and tag receivers 10 respectively enable a user to apply manual forceto overcome the force applied by the tray 50 and holding the rivets 8and the receivers 10 in the tray 50. For example, when the tray 50 ismade substantially of a deformable plastic such as polypropylene, therivet jaw 102 and the receiver jaw 98 may be or comprise steel,stainless steel, or aluminum, or other suitable material known in theart that is more rigid and less deformable than the tray 50 at normalambient temperatures of a laboratory, such as within temperatures in therange from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the applicator 52 of FIGS. 12 and 13and wherein the tag rivet 8 is held by an interference fit in the rivetrecess 100 and the tag receiver 10 is held by an interference fit in thereceiver recess 96.

FIG. 15 illustrates the upper rivet jaw 102 and the lower receiver jaw98 proximate to and partially positioned onto and below an individualtag 2 as installed in the first corner tag site 80. The applicator 52and tray 50 are configured to enable the jaws 98 & 102 to engage withthe tag 2 as installed at a tag site 74 without damaging or permanentlydeforming the tray 50.

FIG. 16 presents the applicator 52 having achieved an interference fitbetween both (1.) the rivet 8 and the rivet recess 100 of the rivet jaw102; and (2.) the receiver 10 and the receiver recess 96 of the receiverjaw 98. It is understood that the interference fits of both the receiverrecess 96 and the receiver 10 and the rivet recess 100 and the rivet 8are achieved prior to removal of the receiver 10 and the rivet 8 fromthe tag site 74.

FIG. 17 illustrates the applicator 52 at a position of withdrawal awayfrom the tray 50 and after the rivet 8 and the receiver 10 have beenpulled out of the hosting tray site 74. It is understood that thepositions of the receiver jaw 98 and the rivet jaw 102 of FIGS. 13through 20 are achieved by manipulation of a combination of each of apair of handles 104 & 106 of the applicator 52.

FIG. 18 illustrates the rivet 8 and the receiver 10 positionedrespectively on either side of the rodent ear 6 of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. Theapplicator 52 may be placed in the orientation as shown relative to therodent ear 6 of FIG. 18 by manual positioning accomplished by the user'sgrasp of the handles 104 & 106.

FIG. 19 illustrates the applicator 52 in a second position wherein thecutting tip of the rivet post 16 has been forced wholly through the ear6 and receiver plate 28 and resides within the protective channel 36 asformed by the receiver collar 30. The rivet post 16 is thus extendingthrough the rodent ear 6 and the tag 2 is coupled to the rodent ear 6 bythe impedance of withdrawal of the tip 26 through the angled channel 34imposed by the narrower second diameter 42 of the second side 44 of thereceiver plate 28. The second position of the applicator 52 is achievedby the user grasping the applicator handles 104 & 106 and manuallyapplying force to drive the handles 104 & 106 together.

FIG. 20 illustrates the applicator 52 in a third position, wherein thefirst tag 2 is released from coupling with the applicator 52. The thirdposition is achieved by the user applying additional force in squeezingthe applicator handles 104 & 106 together beyond that force required toachieve the second position. As force is applied by the user to drivethe handles 104 & 106 together and closer than required for the secondposition, the receiver jaw 98 and the rivet jaw 102 are splayed apartalong an X-axis that is orthogonal to the both the length of the handles104 & 106 and the central axis A of the rivet. A pair of raised stops108 & 110 located respectively on the receiver jaw 98 and rivet jaw 102limit the closing travel of the receiver jaw 98 and the rivet jaw 102 ofthe applicator 52 so that the rivet 8 and the receiver 10 cannot overengage and potentially damage the rodent ear 6 or the first tag 2itself.

For example and not recited in limitation, the stops 108 & 110 may limitthe receiver jaw 98 and rivet jaw 102 from forcing the rivet plate 14 beforced closer than 0.060 inch to the receiver 10 along the axis A. Thismovement limitation of the jaws 108 & 110 caused by the stops 108 & 110thereby prevents the user from applying a force to the applicator 52that causes the jaws 98 & 102 to the crush the rivet post 16 againstreceiver 10. More particularly, the limitation of the travel of the jaws98 & 102 along the axis A imposed by the stops 108 & 110 may reduce anincidence of damage caused to first tags 2 during attachment to animalears 6.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the three components of the applicator52. The first piece 112 includes a first handle 104 and the receiver jaw98. The second piece 114 includes a second handle 106 and the rivet jaw102. The first piece 112 and the second piece 114 are rotatably coupledby a pivot pin 116. Each handle 104 & 106 are preferably from one to sixinches in length extending away from the pivot pin 116 and the jaws 98 &102.

The receiver jaw 98 includes a lower angled post 118 that includes thelower raised stop 108. The rivet jaw 102 includes an upper angled post120 that includes the upper raised stop 110. The lower angled post 118is sized and positioned to engage with the rivet jaw 102 when theapplicator achieves the second position, and as the applicator 52 isdriven into the third position the lower angled post 118 delivers adisplacing force to the rivet jaw 102. The upper angled post 120 issized and positioned to engage with the receiver jaw 98 when theapplicator 52 achieves the second position, and as the applicator 52 isdriven into the third position the upper angled post 120 delivers alaterally displacing force to the receiver jaw 98. The simultaneousdelivery of displacing forces by the upper angled post 120 and the lowerangled post 118 causes the receiver jaw 98 to splay laterally andthereby cause the width of the receiver recess 96 to increase. Theinterference fit of the receiver 10 into the receiver recess 96 is thusterminated as the width of the receiver recess 96 is extended beyond thecross-sectional side length of the receiver plate 28, and the receiver10 is thus no longer coupled with the receiver jaw 98 when theapplicator 52 is in the third position.

The simultaneous delivery of laterally displacing forces by the upperangled post 120 and the lower angled post 118 further causes the rivetjaw 102 to splay laterally and thereby cause the width of the rivetrecess 100 to increase. The interference fit of the rivet 8 into therivet recess 100 is thus terminated as the width of the rivet recess 100is extended beyond the cross-sectional side length of the rivet plate14, and the rivet 8 is no longer coupled with the rivet jaw 102 when theapplicator 52 is in the third position.

The user may thus remove the tag 2 from the tray 50 by manually drivingthe handles 104 & 106 together and creating interference fits with therivet 8 and the receiver 19 that are more forceful than the separateholding forces that the tray 50 applies respectively to the rivet 8 andto the receiver 10. In addition, the user may couple the tag 2 to therodent ear 6 by pressing the handles 104 & 106 together and causing thecutting tip 26 of the rivet 8 to drive fully through the ear 6 and thenfully through the angled channel 34 of the receiver 10. The user maythen drive the handles 104 & 106 closer together than the secondposition requires, and terminate the interference fit of the receiver 10with the receiver jaw 98 and the rivet 8 with the rivet jaw 102, wherebythe applicator 52 has a two phase range of motion. The first phase isinstantiated by the user manually forcing the applicator 52 into thesecond position, and the second phase is instantiated by the usermanually forcing the handles 104 & 106 closer together and from thesecond position and into the third position.

Referring now to FIG. 22, FIG. 22 is a front view of a sticker 122. Thesticker 122 may include a sticker adhesive 124 backing that enables thesticker 122 to be affixed to the cage 64 or sample receptacle, e.g. atest tube, and or coupled with an object or a bar code 58 to be visuallyobserved. The sticker 122 is sized to enable the user to confirm thatthe tag 2 affixed to the rodent 4 resident of the cage 64 is matchedwith, or alternately associable with but not matched with, theinformation coded and visually displayed by the sticker 122 and/or thecage card 66. The intended visual correlation between the tag 2 and thecage card 66 thereby enhances the accuracy and ease of performing ananimal census of a plurality of animals 4 or a plurality of organicsamples derived from animals 4 within a laboratory, experimentalfacility, or other animal management operation.

The sticker 122 is sized to enable the user to confirm that the tag 2affixed to the rodent 4 resident of the cage 64 is matched with, or notmatched with, the information coded and visually displayed by thesticker 122 on a sample receptacle (test tube) and or coupled with anobject or a bar code 58 to be visually observed. The sticker 122 issized to enable the user to confirm that the tag 2 affixed to the rodentresident 4 of the cage 64 is matched with, or not matched with, theinformation coded and visually displayed by the sticker 122 on a samplereceptacle. The intended visual correlation between the tag 2 and thesample receptacle thereby enhances the accuracy and ease of performingsample processing and or analyses of samples derived from a plurality ofanimals 4 within a laboratory, experimental facility, or other animalmanagement operation.

The sticker 122 may be a Multi Use Label™ white backgrounded, removablelabeling sticker part number 05453 marketed by Avery DennisonCorporation of Brea, Calif.

Referring now to FIGS. 23A and 23B, FIG. 23A is a front view of theapplicator 52 engaging with the tray 50 wherein the tag rivet 8 isinterference fit into the rivet recess 100 of rivet jaw 102 while thetag rivet 8 still held by the right corner tag site 8. The tag receiver10 as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B is not engaged with the receiver recess96 of the receiver jaw 98. FIG. 23B is a perspective view of theapplicator 52 approaching the tray 50 but not touching the first tag 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 24A and 24B, FIG. 24A is a front view of theapplicator 52 engaged with both the tag rivet 8 and the tag receiver 10,wherein the tag rivet 8 is interference fit into the rivet recess 100and the tag receiver 10 is interference fit into the receiver recess 96.FIG. 24B is a perspective side view of the applicator 52 positioned asshown in front view of FIG. 24A.

Referring now to FIGS. 25A and 25B, FIG. 25A is a front view of theapplicator 52 positioned proximate to the ear 6, wherein the rivet jaw102 is located higher in the Y dimension above the ear 6 and thereceiver jaw 98 is positioned lower in the Y dimension relative to theear 6. The rivet recess 100 includes a first rivet recess wall 100.A, asecond rivet recess wall 100.B, a first rivet recess ledge 100.C and asecond rivet recess ledge 100.D.

The first rivet recess wall 100.A extends in the Y dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.The second rivet recess wall 100.B extends in the Y dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.The first rivet wall 100.A and the second rivet wall 100.B are separatedat a distance along the X dimension to provide an interference fit withthe tag rivet 8.

The first rivet recess ledge 100.C extends in the X dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.

The second rivet recess ledge 100.D extends in the X dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.

The receiver recess 96 includes a first receiver recess wall 96.A, asecond receiver recess wall 96.B, a first receiver recess ledge 96.C anda second receiver recess ledge 96.D.

The first receiver recess wall 96.A extends in the Y dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.The second receiver recess wall 96.B extends in the Y dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.030 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.The first receiver wall 96.A and the second receiver wall 96.B areseparated at a distance along the X dimension to provide an interferencefit with the tag receiver 10.

The first receiver recess ledge 96.C extends in the X dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.

The second receiver recess ledge 96.D extends in the X dimension in amagnitude in the range of from 0.040 inches to 0.070 inches and in the Zdimension in a magnitude in the range from 0.190 inches to 0.210 inches.

Referring now to FIGS. 26A and 26B, FIG. 26A is a front view of theapplicator 52 wherein the rivet post 16 is piercing the ear 6 and therivet post cutting tip 26 is fully inserted into the protective channel36. FIG. 26B is a perspective side view of the applicator 52 in the someposition as the front view of FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27A is a front view of the applicator 52 wherein the rivet jaw 102and the receiver jaw 98 are being pressed together by a compressingforce delivered along the Y axis by the user to the first handle 104 andthe second handle 106.

The delivery of compressing forces along the Y dimension by the user aretranslated to forces to the upper angled post 120 and the lower angledpost 118 along the Y dimension, thereby causing the receiver jaw 98 tosplay laterally along the X dimension and thereby cause the separationbetween the first receiver recess wall 96.A and the second receiver wall96.B of the receiver recess 96 to increase beyond 0.200 inches. Theinterference fit of the receiver 10 into the receiver recess 96 is thusterminated as the width of the receiver recess 96 along the X dimensionis extended beyond the cross-sectional side length of the receiver plate28, and the receiver 10 is thus no longer coupled with the receiver jaw98 when the applicator 52 as shown in FIG. 27A.

This translation of forces to the upper angled post 120 and the lowerangled post 118 along the Y dimension referred to in the precedingparagraph, thereby causing the rivet jaw 102 to splay laterally alongthe X dimension and thereby cause the separation between the first rivetrecess wall 100.A and the second rivet wall 100.B of the rivet recess100 to increase beyond 0.200 inches. The interference fit of the rivet 8into the rivet recess 100 is thus terminated as the width of the rivetrecess along the X dimension is extended beyond the cross-sectional sidelength of the rivet plate 14 and the rivet 8 is thus no longer coupledwith the rivet jaw 102 when the applicator 52 as shown in FIG. 27A.

As shown on FIGS. 27A and 27B, the pair of raised stops 108 & 110located respectively on the rivet jaw 102 and receiver jaw 98 arelimiting the closing travel of the jaws 98 & 102 of the applicator 52along the Y dimension so that the rivet 8 and the receiver 10 cannotover engage and potentially damage the rodent ear 6 or the first tag 2itself.

FIG. 27B is a perspective view of the applicator 52 as positioned in thefront view of FIG. 27A.

Referring now to FIG. 28, FIG. 28 is a schematic illustration of anelectronic communications network 126 comprising a computational system128 and additional associated equipment useful to use, monitor andautomatically read the first tag 2. The electronic communicationsnetwork 126, or network 126, may be or comprise the Internet 127, awireless communications network, a telephony network, and/or a cellulartelephone network.

The computational system 128, or network computer 128, isbi-directionally communicatively coupled with the network 126 and may beselected from a group of suitable electronic devices known in the art,including (1.) a Nokia Model E61™ cellular telephone marketed by NokiaCorporation of Espoo Finland; (2.) a BLACKBERRY™ wireless personaldigital assistant 20 marketed by Research-in-Motion of Waterloo,Ontario, Canada; (3.) a VAIO FS8900™ notebook computer marketed by SonyCorporation of America, of New York City, N.Y.; (4.) POWERBOOK G4™personal computer marketed by Apple Computer, Inc., of Cupertino,Calif.; or (5.) an iPhone™ cellular telephone marketed by AppleComputer, Inc., of Cupertino, Calif.

A network-enabled printer 130 is communicatively coupled to the network126 and is configured to print the bar code 58, the color code 62,and/or the alphanumeric code 60 onto the cage card 66 and the sticker122. the printer 130 may be a Konica Minolta Model Bizhub C456™ printeras marketed by Minolta Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. The network enabledimprinter 132 is communicatively coupled to the network 126 and isconfigured to mark, laser mark imprint, and/or etch the bar code 58, thecolor code 62, and/or the alphanumeric code 60 onto rivet display plate18.

A bar code reader 134 is configured to read the bar code 58 from therivet display plate 18, the cage card 66 and the sticker 122 andcommunicate information read from, or derived from the information readfrom, the rivet display plate 18, the cage card 66 or the sticker 122 tothe computer 128 by a wired connection or a wireless communication. Itis understood that the solid line extending from the computer 128 and tothe bar code reader 134 represents a wired communication connection andthat the dashed line extending from the computer 128 and to the bar codereader 134 represents a wireless communications connection. The bar codereader 134 may be (a.) a Code Reader CR1200™ bar code scanner marketedby Code Corporation of Bluffdale, Utah; (b.) a 4600g Scanner™ bar codescanner marketed by Honeywell Corporation of Morristown, N.J.; (c.) aGryphon™ bar code scanner marketed by Datalogic Scanning, Inc. ofGreeneville, S.C.; or (d.) other suitable bar code scanner known in theart.

An RFID reader 136 is configured to receive a wireless radio wavetransmission from the RFID 12 of the first tag 2. The RFID reader 12 mayfurther be configured to provide electrical power via radio wavetransmission to the RFID 12. The RFID reader 136 is further configuredto communicate information read from, or derived from the informationread from, the RFID 12 by a wired connection or a wirelesscommunication. It is understood that the solid line extending from thecomputer 128 and to the RFID reader 136 represents a wired communicationconnection and that the dashed line extending from the computer 128 andto the RFID code reader 136 represents a wireless communicationsconnection.

Referring now to FIG. 29, FIG. 29 is a schematic of a system software138 of the computer 128. The system software includes an operatingsystem software 140, a basic input/output system 142, a data basemanagement system 144, a printer driver software 146, a bar codeimprinter driver 148, a bar code reader interface software 150, an RFIDreader interface software 152, an input module software 154, a displaydriver software 156, and a network communications software 158. Theoperating system 140 enables the computer 128 to contemporaneously runor execute the other software modules 142-158 as directed by the user.The basic input/output system 142 enables the computer 128 to boot-upupon command by the user.

The data base management system 144, or DBMS 144, may be or comprise(1.) an object oriented database and an Object Oriented DBMS, (2.) anIBM DB2 Universal Database™ server (in Linux, UNIX (R)) marketed by IBMCorporation of Armonk, N.Y.; (3.) WINDOWS™ operating system environmentsmarketed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.; (4.) a relationaldatabase, such as an SQL Server Yukon™ relational database software asmarketed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.; (5.) an OracleDatabase 11g™ relational database software as marketed by OracleCorporation of Redwood Shores, Calif.; and/or (6.) other suitable DBMSknown in the art.

The printer driver software 146 enables the computer 128 to instruct theprinter 130 to print the bar code 58, the color code 62, and/or thealphanumeric code 60 onto the cage card 66 and the sticker 122. The barcode imprinter driver 148 146 enables the computer 128 to instruct theimprinter 132 to mark, laser mark imprint, and/or etch the bar code 58,the color code 62, and/or the alphanumeric code 60 onto rivet displayplate 18. The bar code reader interface software 150 enables thecomputer 128 to receive information from the bar code reader 134. TheRFID reader interface software 152 enables the computer 128 to receiveinformation transmitted from the RFID 136.

The input module software 154 enables the computer 128 to receivecommands and information provided by the user via an input device of thecomputer, e.g., a computer keyboard. The display driver software 156enables the computer 128 to direct a display module of the computer 128,e.g., an electronic display screen, to present visual representations ofinformation. The network communications software 158 enables thecomputer 128 to bi-directionally communicate with and via the network126.

The foregoing disclosures and statements are illustrative only of thepresent invention, and are not intended to limit or define the scope ofthe present invention. The above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. Although the examples given includemany specificities, they are intended as illustrative of only certainpossible applications of the present invention. The examples givenshould only be interpreted as illustrations of some of the applicationsof the present invention, and the full scope of the Present Inventionshould be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations andmodifications of the just-described applications can be configuredwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.Therefore, it is to be understood that the present invention may bepracticed other than as specifically described herein. The scope of thepresent invention as disclosed and claimed should, therefore, bedetermined with reference to the knowledge of one skilled in the art andin light of the disclosures presented above.

1. An animal identification tag comprising: an outer element having anexternal surface; attachment means coupled with the outer element andconfigured to attach the outer element with an ear of an animal; and theouter element external surface bearing a visual image, the visual imagefor identifying the animal.
 2. The tag of claim 1, wherein the outerelement external surface further comprises a bar code pattern, the barcode pattern for identifying the animal.
 3. The tag of claim 2, whereinthe bar code is a two dimensional bar code.
 4. The tag of claim 1,wherein the tag presents at least one chromatically distinct coloredsurface area.
 3. The tag of claim 1, wherein the tag presents aplurality of separate and chromatically distinct colored areas.
 6. Thetag of claim 1, wherein the tag further comprises an RFID device, theRFID coded with a serial number for distinguishing the tag from aplurality of tags.
 7. The tag of claim 1, wherein the tag is configuredfor attachment to an animal selected from the animal group consisting ofa rodent, a mouse, a rat, a fells domesticus, a mole, a vole, anopossum, and a rabbit.
 8. The tag of claim 1, wherein the externalsurface of the outer element has a planar surface area of approximately4 millimeters by 4 millimeters.
 9. The tag of claim 8, wherein the tagis configured for attachment to a small animal ear.
 10. The tag of claim9, wherein the external surface of the outer element has a planarsurface area of approximately 4 millimeters by 4 millimeters.
 11. Thetag of claim 1, wherein the outer element is configured for separatedpositioning by a first arm of a tag applicator, and the attachment meansis configured for separated positioning by a second arm of the tagapplicator.
 12. The tag of claim 1, wherein the attachment meanscomprises: a shaft with a cutting tip; and a receiver, the receiverconfigured for accepting and capturing the cutting tip, wherein theshaft extends through the ear and the tag is attached to the ear. 13.The tag of claim 12, wherein the shaft further comprises a shaft elementlocated distal from the cutting tip, and the receiver is attached to theouter element, wherein the shaft element is configured to inhibitwithdrawal of the shaft from the animal ear.
 14. An animalidentification tag comprising: an outer element having an externalsurface; attachment means coupled with the outer element and configuredto attach the outer element with an ear of an animal; the outer elementexternal surface bearing a bar code pattern; and the tag is configuredfor attachment to an ear without substantial deformation of the ear. 15.The tag of claim 14, wherein the bar code is a two dimensional bar code.16. The tag of claim 14, the outer element external surface furthercomprising a visual image, the visual image for distinguishing the tagfrom a plurality of tags.
 17. The tag of claim 15, wherein the bar codepattern and the visual image are representations of a sameidentification number.
 18. The tag of claim 14, wherein the outerelement is configured for separated positioning by a first arm of a tagapplicator, and the attachment means is configured for separatedpositioning by a second arm of the tag applicator.
 19. The tag of claim14, further comprising a card, the card visually presenting a duplicaterepresentation of the bar code pattern or other visual identificationsuch as animal identification number, wherein the card is attached to acage containing the animal.
 20. The tag of claim 14, further comprisinga label, the label visually presenting a duplicate representation of thebar code pattern or other visual identification such as animalidentification number, whereby the sticker is associated with an objectthat is related to the animal.
 21. A method for identifying animals, themethod comprising: forming a tag, the tag comprising two separate visualmarkings, wherein each visual marking is a representation of one or moreidentification numbers for uniquely identifying an animal; and attachingthe tag to an ear of the animal.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein thetag is worn during a course of study of the animal.
 23. A devicecomprising: a first arm having a first handle and a first jaw configuredto friction fit a first tag part; a second arm rotatably coupled withthe first arm, the second arm having a second handle and a second jawconfigured to friction fit a second tag part; the first arm having afirst post, the first post extending from the first arm and configuredto transfer a mechanical force to the second jaw, wherein the firsthandle and the second handle are manually compressed together to firstcouple the first tag part and the second tag part, and furthercompression of the first handle and the second handle transfers forcefrom the first jaw through the first post and to the second jaw, wherebythe first and second jaw are driven apart and the first tag part and thesecond tag part are released from the device.
 24. The device of claim23, further comprising a second post, the second post extending from thesecond arm and configured to transfer a mechanical force to the firstjaw, wherein the first handle and the second handle are manuallycompressed together to first couple the first tag part and the secondtag part, and further compression of the first handle and the secondhandle transfers force from the second jaw through the second post andto the first jaw, whereby the first and second jaw are driven apart andthe first tag part and the second tag part are released from the device.